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š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ—š‘Œµš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ®š‘‚š‘Œ²š‘Œ®š‘ - š‘Œšš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¶š‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ

The Bhagavad Gita unfolds on the battlefield of š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°, a moment suspended between war and wisdom. Here, amidst the clash of the š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ”š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ and š‘Œ•š‘Œš‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£ and š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØ engage in a dialogue that transcends the immediate chaos. Chapter 14, titled š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆš‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ - the š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— of the Division of the Three Gunas, invites us to look beneath the surface of action and emotion, into the very fabric of human nature.

In the previous chapters, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£ has guided š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØ through the paths of š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— (selfless action), š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— (knowledge), and š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— (devotion). Chapter 13 explored the distinction between the field (š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¶š‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°) and the knower of the field (š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¶š‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘š‘ŒØ), helping š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØ see the difference between the body and the true Self, or š‘Œ†š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾. Now, the focus shifts to the forces that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and ultimately our destinies.

This chapter introduces the concept of the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ (purity, harmony), š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ (activity, passion), and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ (inertia, ignorance). These are not just abstract qualities, but living energies that color every experience, mood, and choice. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£ explains how these š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death, and how recognizing their influence is the first step toward freedom. Imagine the mind as a river: sometimes clear and calm, sometimes rushing and restless, sometimes muddy and still. The š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s are the currents that shape its flow.

Through vivid examples, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£ shows how š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ brings clarity and happiness, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ fuels ambition and restlessness, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ drags us into confusion and lethargy. Yet, none of these is the true Self. The chapter encourages us to observe these forces without getting entangled, to become witnesses rather than puppets of our moods and habits.

As the conversation unfolds, š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØ learns that liberation lies in rising above the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s, not by rejecting life, but by understanding and transcending its patterns. This is not a call to escape the world, but to engage with it from a place of inner freedom. The teachings here are practical: they invite us to notice which š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ dominates our day, and to make choices that nurture clarity and balance.

Looking ahead, the next chapter will dive deeper into the path of devotion, or š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—. It will reveal how love and surrender to the Divine can cut through the knots of the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s, offering a direct route to peace and fulfillment. But first, Chapter 14 asks us to become explorers of our own inner landscape, to recognize the subtle forces at play, and to discover the freedom that comes from knowing who we truly are.

š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘ŒØš‘‡ š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘Œƒ
š‘Œ…š‘Œ„ š‘Œšš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¶š‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆš‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ - sacred syllable, invocation
š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ - auspicious, revered
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘ŒØš‘‡ - to the Supreme Self
š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘Œƒ - salutations, obeisance
š‘Œ…š‘Œ„ - now, thus
š‘Œšš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¶š‘Œƒ - fourteenth
š‘Œ…š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - chapter
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ - quality, attribute
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆ - three, triad
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ— - division, classification
š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ - discipline, path

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Salutations to the Supreme Self. Now begins the fourteenth chapter, called 'The Yoga of the Division of the Three Qualities.'

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This introductory verse sets the stage for the fourteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, titled 'guNatrayavibhAgayOgaH.' The key terms here are š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ (qualities), š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆ (three), š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ— (division), and š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ (discipline). The invocation with š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ and š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘ŒØš‘‡ š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘Œƒ pays respect to the Supreme Self, acknowledging the spiritual context and intent of the teachings. The chapter title itself signals a focus on understanding the three fundamental qualities or modes that shape all of nature and human experience, and how their distinctions can be a path to deeper wisdom.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ elucidates that the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘-constitute the fundamental forces shaping all aspects of mind and matter, and discerning their nature is essential for spiritual transcendence. Complementing this, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ interprets the division of these qualities as a practical framework for understanding the soul's bondage within material existence and the means to liberation. This aligns with the Upanishadic invocation š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œšš‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ¶š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (bRuhadAraNyaka), which prays for guidance from darkness (ignorance and inertia) to light (knowledge and clarity), symbolizing the aspirant's journey through the influence of the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s. Thus, the chapter's focus on the threefold division not only deepens philosophical insight but also prepares the seeker to recognize and transform these qualities in daily life, bridging the theoretical foundation laid in the first paragraph with the practical applications discussed next.

In modern life, understanding the three qualities can help us recognize why we feel calm and clear at times (sattva), restless or ambitious at others (rajas), or lethargic and confused (tamas). For example, someone might notice that after a healthy meal and meditation, their mind feels light and focused, while after a night of poor sleep and junk food, they feel dull and unmotivated. In a workplace, recognizing these modes can help manage team dynamics and personal productivity. As a reflection exercise, try observing your predominant state at different times of the day and consider what activities or environments seem to increase each quality. This awareness can be the first step toward consciously cultivating a more balanced and harmonious life.

š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ­š‘Œ—š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œš
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œæ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ®š‘ ą„¤
š‘ŒÆš‘Œœš‘š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒØš‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘‡ š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘Œøš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ ą„„ 1 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ­š‘Œ—š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - the Blessed Lord
š‘Œ‰š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œš - said
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ - supreme (highest)
š‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - again
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œæ - I will declare (I will explain)
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ - among knowledges
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ - knowledge
š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ®š‘ - the best (most excellent)
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘ - which
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ - having known (by realizing)
š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒØš‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - sages (contemplatives)
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘‡ - all
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ - supreme (highest)
š‘Œøš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘ - perfection (fulfillment, liberation)
š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¹š‘ - from here (from this world)
š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¹š‘ - have attained (have reached)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
The Blessed Lord said: I will once more explain the supreme knowledge, the highest among all forms of wisdom. By understanding this, all contemplative sages have reached the ultimate perfection beyond this world.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse opens with š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ (supreme), š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ (knowledge), and š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ®š‘ (the best), highlighting the exceptional nature of the teaching about to be given. The Lord addresses Arjuna directly, promising to reveal a form of knowledge that surpasses all others, not just in content but in its transformative power. The word š‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ (again) signals that although knowledge has been discussed before, what follows is a deeper or more comprehensive revelation. The phrase š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ (having known which) emphasizes that this knowledge is not merely theoretical; it is practical and leads to real change. The result is described as š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ š‘Œøš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘ (supreme perfection), a state that all true seekers (š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒØš‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ) have attained by following this path, transcending the limitations of worldly existence (š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¹š‘ - from here).

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that this š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ®š‘ is supreme because it leads directly to liberation, transcending all other forms of knowledge that may yield only temporary or partial results. He highlights that this knowledge reveals the ultimate Self, beyond mere ritualistic or intellectual understanding. Meanwhile, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ distinguishes this supreme knowledge from the earlier teachings about the gunas, emphasizing that true perfection and freedom from š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ° come only from realizing the pure Self. This is supported by the Upanishadic prayer š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which means 'lead me from death to immortality,' illustrating the transformative power of this knowledge to transcend the cycle of birth and death. Thus, the verse not only reaffirms the exceptional nature of this knowledge introduced in paragraph one but also prepares us to consider its practical relevance in daily life, as discussed in the following paragraph.

In modern life, this verse invites us to seek wisdom that transforms our entire outlook, not just information or skills for material success. For example, someone might pursue advanced degrees or professional certifications, but still feel unfulfilled; this teaching suggests that only knowledge which changes our understanding of ourselves and our purpose leads to lasting satisfaction. Another example is the difference between learning about healthy living and actually embodying it-true knowledge is that which results in real change. As a reflection exercise, consider what forms of knowledge in your life have actually led to deeper peace or clarity, and which have only added to your mental clutter. What would it mean for you to seek the 'supreme knowledge' in your current circumstances?

š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¦š‘Œ‚ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ®š‘Œ® š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘Œ½š‘ŒŖš‘Œæ š‘ŒØš‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘‡ š‘ŒØ š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ„š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œš ą„„ 2 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¦š‘Œ‚ - this
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ - knowledge
š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ - resorting to, taking refuge in
š‘Œ®š‘Œ® - My
š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ - similarity of nature, sharing My qualities
š‘Œ†š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - those who have attained
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘‡ - at creation
š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘Œæ - even
š‘ŒØ - not
š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - are born, come into being
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘‡ - at dissolution
š‘ŒØ - not
š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ„š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - are disturbed, suffer
š‘Œš - and

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Those who take refuge in this knowledge and reach a state of unity with Me are not born again during creation, nor do they experience distress during the dissolution of the universe.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the transformative power of true knowledge, using terms like š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ (knowledge), š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ (resorting to), and š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ (attaining My nature). Krishna explains that those who embrace this wisdom and align themselves with the divine essence are freed from the cycles of cosmic creation and destruction. The phrase š‘Œ®š‘Œ® š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ†š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ suggests not just similarity, but a profound participation in the divine state. Such individuals are no longer subject to the ordinary processes of birth (š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡) or the suffering (š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ„š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ) that comes with the dissolution of worlds. The verse assures that spiritual realization leads to a transcendence beyond the reach of material change, promising a state of peace and freedom from existential anxiety.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ signifies a profound likeness to the divine nature rather than complete identity, emphasizing that those who attain this state transcend birth and death cycles. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ interprets this attainment as reaching an unshakable closeness and similarity to the Lord, where the soul is no longer affected by cosmic creation or dissolution. This aligns with the Upanishadic truth expressed in š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18): š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘, meaning the realized soul neither takes birth nor dies, highlighting its eternal nature beyond material transformations. These insights deepen the understanding from the previous paragraph by clarifying how knowledge leads to a stable, divine participation that frees one from existential suffering. This foundation prepares us to consider how such spiritual steadiness manifests in everyday challenges, as discussed next.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in those who, through deep understanding and spiritual practice, remain calm and unshaken even when facing major changes-such as losing a job, moving to a new country, or witnessing societal upheaval. Their inner stability is not dependent on external circumstances. Another example is someone who, after years of self-inquiry and meditation, finds a sense of peace that persists despite personal loss or uncertainty about the future. For reflection: consider a situation that usually causes you anxiety or fear. Imagine responding to it from a place of deep knowledge and inner connection, as described in this verse. What would change in your experience? How might you cultivate that steadiness in your daily life?

š‘Œ®š‘Œ® š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® š‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¦š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ ą„¤
š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ­š‘‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ ą„„ 3 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ®š‘Œ® - my
š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œƒ - womb, source
š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¤š‘ - great
š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® - cosmic substance, primal matter
š‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘ - in that (womb)
š‘Œ—š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ®š‘ - seed, embryo
š‘Œ¦š‘Œ§š‘Œ®š‘Œæ - I place, I deposit
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ - I
š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œƒ - origin, birth
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œ­š‘š‘Œ¤š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ - of all beings
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¹š‘ - from that
š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - arises, occurs
š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ - O descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
My womb is the vast cosmic substance, and into it I place the seed of all life. From this union, Arjuna, comes the birth of every living being.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse uses the terms š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œƒ (womb), š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¤š‘ (great), š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® (cosmic substance), and š‘Œ—š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ®š‘ (seed) to describe the process of creation. Here, Krishna identifies the 'womb' as the great cosmic matrix, the primal matter from which all forms arise. The 'seed' is the conscious principle or divine impulse that initiates creation. By stating 'I place the seed,' Krishna emphasizes the active role of the divine in manifesting the universe. The phrase 'from that arises the birth of all beings' highlights the interconnectedness of all life, rooted in the union of consciousness and matter. This passage sets the stage for understanding the relationship between the unmanifest source and the diversity of creation.

The great cosmic womb, identified as š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ, is understood by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ as the primordial nature composed of the three gunas, which sustains and nurtures all beings. He explains that the 'seed' placed within this womb is the divine conscious principle, the Self that enlivens matter and initiates creation. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that the Lord, by His will, unites the non-conscious š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ with the conscious souls, thus causing the birth of all entities. This union is essential, as reflected in the Upanishadic prayer š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which means 'lead me from death to immortality,' symbolizing the movement from unmanifest potential to manifest life through divine agency. These teachings emphasize that creation arises from the dynamic interaction of the cosmic womb and the divine seed, a principle that underlies both the metaphysical framework and practical manifestations of life.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in the way ideas (the seed) need a supportive environment (the womb) to grow into reality, whether in creative projects, relationships, or personal development. For example, a business plan requires both a visionary idea and the right resources to come to fruition. Similarly, nurturing a child involves both genetic inheritance and the environment provided by caregivers. As a reflection exercise, consider an area of your life where you are trying to create or manifest something. Identify what represents the 'seed' and what forms the 'womb' or supportive context, and think about how you can harmonize the two to foster growth.

š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘ š‘Œ•š‘Œš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ®š‘‚š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¬š‘€š‘Œœš‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¦š‘Œƒ š‘ŒŖš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾ ą„„ 4 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘ - in all wombs (from š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ - all, š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæ - womb/source, locative plural)
š‘Œ•š‘Œš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡š‘ŒÆ - O son of Kunti (vocative of š‘Œ•š‘Œš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡š‘ŒÆ)
š‘Œ®š‘‚š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - forms, embodied beings (nominative plural of š‘Œ®š‘‚š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ)
š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - are born, arise (third person plural of š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘‚)
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - which, whatever (relative pronoun, nominative plural feminine)
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ - of those (genitive plural feminine of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾)
š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® - the great source, primordial matter (here: š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ, not the personal deity)
š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¤š‘ š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œƒ - the great womb (nominative singular; š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¤š‘ - great, š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæ - womb)
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ - I (first person singular pronoun)
š‘Œ¬š‘€š‘Œœ-š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¦š‘Œƒ - seed-giving, one who provides the seed (š‘Œ¬š‘€š‘Œœ - seed, š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¦ - giver)
š‘ŒŖš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾ - father (nominative singular)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
O son of Kunti, whatever forms come into existence in any womb, the great source or womb for all of them is primordial nature, and I am the father who provides the seed.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the interplay between š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® (here meaning primordial nature or š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ), š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¤š‘ š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œƒ (the great womb), and š‘Œ¬š‘€š‘Œœ-š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¦š‘Œƒ (the seed-giving father). The verse explains that all living forms, regardless of their type or origin, are born from the union of two principles: the universal womb, which is nature itself, and the conscious principle, represented by the seed. The term š‘Œ®š‘‚š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ refers to all embodied beings, emphasizing the diversity of life. By stating "I am the seed-giving father," Krishna asserts the presence of a conscious, divine agency that initiates life within the field of nature. The verse thus establishes a dual cause for creation: the material substratum and the conscious initiator.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ® here signifies š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ, the unmanifested material cause that serves as the universal womb from which all embodied forms arise. Krishna as the š‘Œ¬š‘€š‘Œœ-š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¦š‘Œƒ is the conscious seed-giving father who activates and initiates creation within this womb. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that the Lord implants individual souls into nature according to their karmic histories, making Him the ultimate conscious cause behind all births and forms. This dual causality-material nature as the womb and the divine as the seed-giving father-reflects the inseparable relationship between matter and consciousness in the process of manifestation. The š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18) states š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘, meaning the wise one is never born nor dies, highlighting the eternal nature of the self that is implanted by the Lord into the womb of nature. This understanding bridges the cosmic principle described in the first paragraph with the practical insight that every living being's origin involves both material and conscious causes, preparing us to reflect on this unity in our daily experience.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in the way every living being, regardless of background or form, shares a common origin in both material nature and a deeper, unifying consciousness. For example, the birth of a child involves both the physical contribution of parents and the mysterious spark of life that animates the body. Similarly, the growth of a plant from a seed depends on both the earth (nature) and the vital force within the seed. Reflect on a moment when you felt connected to something larger than yourself-perhaps while witnessing a birth, marveling at nature, or contemplating your own origins. Consider how recognizing a shared source can foster respect and empathy for all forms of life.

š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ® š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¬š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘‹ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘‡ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ ą„„ 5 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - clarity, harmony, purity (nominative singular, subject)
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ - activity, passion, restlessness (nominative singular, subject)
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ - inertia, darkness, ignorance (nominative singular, subject)
š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - thus, in this way
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - qualities, attributes, modes (nominative plural)
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ-š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘ - arising from nature, born of primordial matter (nominative plural)
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - bind, tie, constrain (present tense, plural)
š‘Œ®š‘Œ¹š‘Œ¾-š‘Œ¬š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘‹ - O mighty-armed one (vocative, addressing Arjuna)
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘‡ - in the body, within the physical form (locative singular)
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ - the embodied being, the soul (accusative singular)
š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ - immutable, indestructible, unchanging (accusative singular)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
O mighty-armed Arjuna, the qualities of clarity, activity, and inertia-known as sattva, rajas, and tamas-arise from nature and bind the unchanging self to the body.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse introduces the three fundamental qualities-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘-which are described as š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ or modes that originate from š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ, the basic material nature. The term š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ is crucial here, as it means 'bind' or 'tie down', indicating that these qualities are not passive but actively influence the soul's experience within the body. The soul itself is called š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘, meaning it is indestructible and unchanging, yet it appears to be limited or conditioned by these qualities as long as it is associated with the body. The verse sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how these modes operate and how they affect human behavior, perception, and spiritual progress.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘-are intrinsic qualities of š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ that appear to bind the š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘, the indestructible self, only because of its association with the body. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ clarifies that this binding arises from ignorance and attachment, which veil the true nature of the self and cause it to identify with the body-mind complex. This apparent bondage is not the self's actual condition but a consequence of its entanglement with the modes of nature. The Upanishadic injunction š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘ (KaThOpaniShad 1.2.18) supports this understanding by affirming that the true self neither takes birth nor dies, highlighting its immutable essence beyond the influence of the gunas. Thus, this verse lays the foundation for recognizing that while the self is inherently free, it appears bound due to the interplay of the three qualities within the embodied state, preparing us to observe how these modes manifest in daily life and influence our actions.

In modern life, these three qualities can be observed in daily situations: for example, when someone feels calm, clear-minded, and uplifted, they are under the influence of sattva; when driven by ambition, restlessness, or desire for achievement, rajas predominates; and when lethargy, confusion, or apathy take over, tamas is at work. Consider a student preparing for exams: focused study reflects sattva, cramming out of anxiety is rajas, and procrastination is tamas. A reflection exercise: At the end of your day, recall three moments and identify which quality was most active in each. This awareness is the first step to understanding how these modes shape your actions and choices.

š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ° š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘Œ•š‘Œ®š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ ą„¤
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ š‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ˜ ą„„ 6 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ° - among these
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - the quality of sattva (purity, clarity)
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘ - due to being free from impurity
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘Œ•š‘Œ®š‘ - illuminating, revealing
š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ - free from affliction or disease
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–-š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ - by attachment to happiness
š‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - binds, attaches
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ-š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ - by attachment to knowledge
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘Œ˜ - O sinless one (Arjuna)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Of these qualities, sattva, because it is pure, is illuminating and free from harm. Yet, O sinless one, it binds by creating attachment to happiness and to knowledge.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the unique nature of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ among the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s. The words š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘ (because of purity), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘Œ•š‘Œ®š‘ (illuminating), and š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ (free from affliction) describe how sattva stands apart: it brings clarity, health, and a sense of well-being. However, the verse also uses š‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ (binds) to show that even sattva is not entirely liberating. It creates subtle bondage by fostering attachment to pleasant experiences (š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–-š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ) and to knowledge (š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ-š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ). In other words, while sattva leads to joy and understanding, it can also make one cling to these states, preventing complete freedom.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that although š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ is pure and illuminating, it still binds the self by fostering an illusory identification with happiness and knowledge, which are not the true self but objects of experience. This subtle misidentification arises from š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆ (ignorance), as the self is beyond all qualities and distinctions. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ teaches that š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ produces both knowledge and happiness, yet attachment to these fruits leads to repeated births in auspicious conditions, perpetuating š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°. This is why even the highest š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ does not grant ultimate liberation. The š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18) states, š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘, meaning the wise self neither takes birth nor dies, highlighting that true selfhood transcends the binding effects of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ. Thus, while š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ brings clarity and well-being as described in the previous paragraph, it also subtly entangles the seeker through attachment, preparing the ground for the practical reflection on non-attachment in the following paragraph.

In modern life, sattva can be seen in those who pursue learning, health, and happiness with sincerity and clarity. For example, someone might become deeply invested in personal growth or spiritual study, finding joy and meaning in these pursuits. However, if they become attached to always feeling happy or to being seen as knowledgeable, this can create subtle stress or pride. Another example is the person who seeks wellness and balance, but becomes anxious if their peace is disturbed. To reflect: consider an area where you feel especially content or accomplished. Ask yourself, do you feel uneasy at the thought of losing this state? Notice if your well-being depends on holding onto certain experiences or knowledge, and explore what it would mean to appreciate them without attachment.

š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘‹ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ•š‘Œ‚ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæ š‘Œ¤š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ®š‘ ą„¤
š‘Œ¤š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ•š‘Œš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ ą„„ š‘­ ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ - passion, activity
š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—-š‘Œ†š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ•š‘Œ®š‘ - of the nature of attachment (rAga: attraction, Atmaka: characterized by)
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæ - know (imperative)
š‘Œ¤š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾ - craving, thirst
š‘Œøš‘Œžš‘š‘Œ— - attachment, association
š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ®š‘ - arising from, born of
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘ - that (referring to rajas)
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - binds, ties
š‘Œ•š‘Œš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡š‘ŒÆ - O son of Kunti (Arjuna)
š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®-š‘Œøš‘Œžš‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ - through attachment to action (š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®: action, sa~ga: attachment)
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ - the embodied being

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Understand that rajas is the quality of passion, which is rooted in craving and attachment. This force, Arjuna, binds the soul by creating a strong attachment to action and its results.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the nature of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ as a force defined by š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—-š‘Œ†š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ•š‘Œ®š‘ (the essence of attachment), arising from š‘Œ¤š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾ (craving or thirst) and š‘Œøš‘Œžš‘š‘Œ— (attachment or association). The term š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ®š‘ indicates that rajas is born from these desires, not merely associated with them. The verse explains that rajas binds the š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ (embodied being) through š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®-š‘Œøš‘Œžš‘š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ-attachment to action. This means that the energy of rajas does not simply motivate activity, but entangles the individual in a cycle of desire-driven action and reaction, making it difficult to find inner peace or detachment. The binding is not physical but psychological, as the mind becomes absorbed in endless pursuits and ambitions.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ acts as a coloring agent that tints the mind with restlessness and desire, arising specifically from š‘Œ¤š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾ (craving for what is not possessed) and š‘Œøš‘Œžš‘š‘Œ— (attachment to what is possessed), thus binding the embodied self through attachment to action. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that this passion manifests as sensuality and incessant striving, especially in relationships and sensory pleasures, which perpetuates the cycle of rebirth by entangling the soul in karmic actions. This binding nature of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ aligns with the Upanishadic teaching š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘ from the š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18), meaning the true Self is never born nor does it die, highlighting that it is the restless mind colored by š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ that experiences birth and death. Understanding this connection helps us recognize how š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ traps the soul in cycles of desire-driven activity, setting the stage for the practical reflection on how such restlessness appears in daily life.

In modern life, rajas manifests when someone is constantly chasing promotions, material possessions, or recognition, never feeling satisfied with what they have. Another example is the compulsive use of social media, where the craving for likes and validation keeps one perpetually engaged and distracted. A third scenario is the inability to relax or enjoy downtime, always feeling the urge to be busy or productive. To reflect, consider your own day: are there moments when you act not out of necessity or joy, but because of an inner restlessness or fear of missing out? Notice how this attachment to action shapes your mood and well-being. Try to identify one area where you can act with more awareness and less compulsion, observing the difference it makes.

š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œœš‘Œ‚ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæ š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘ ą„¤
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ²š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ ą„„ š‘® ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ - darkness, inertia, dullness
š‘Œ¤š‘ - but, on the other hand
š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ-š‘Œœš‘Œ®š‘ - born of ignorance (š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ = ignorance, š‘Œœš‘Œ®š‘ = born)
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œæ - know, understand
š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ - deluding, causing confusion
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘ - of all embodied beings (š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ = all, š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘ = of those with bodies)
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦ - negligence, carelessness
š‘Œ†š‘Œ²š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - laziness, idleness
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œƒ - by sleep (š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾ = sleep, š‘Œ…š‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œƒ = by means of)
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘ - that (referring to š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘)
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¬š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - binds, ties down
š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ - O descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
But know that tamas, the quality of darkness and inertia, is born from ignorance. It confuses all living beings, Arjuna, and binds them through negligence, laziness, and sleep.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse focuses on the nature of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘, highlighting it as a force that arises from š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ (ignorance). The word š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ points to its power to confuse or delude, while š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦, š‘Œ†š‘Œ²š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ, and š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾ describe the specific ways it binds individuals: through carelessness, idleness, and sleep. Unlike the other gunas, š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ does not simply distract or excite; it clouds perception and leads to a lack of clarity and motivation. The phrase š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘ emphasizes that this influence is universal, affecting all who are embodied, regardless of their background or disposition. The binding effect is not physical but psychological, manifesting as a tendency to avoid responsibility, neglect duties, and seek comfort in inactivity.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ elucidates that š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ arises from profound š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ, or ignorance, which obscures discernment and leads to delusion, thus binding all embodied beings through heedlessness and inactivity. He highlights how this darkness clouds the intellect, preventing clear understanding and right action. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ interprets š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ as a state of false knowledge that distorts reality, causing one to act contrary to their true self and become trapped in negligence and indolence. This binding nature of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is aptly captured by the Upanishadic prayer š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which is a plea to be led from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge). This verse reinforces the idea that š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ not only deludes but also envelops the soul in a state of inertia, setting the stage for the practical examples of procrastination and mental fog discussed next.

In modern life, š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ can be seen when someone procrastinates important tasks, repeatedly hits the snooze button, or avoids responsibilities by distracting themselves with mindless entertainment. It is also present when a person feels mentally foggy, unmotivated, or indifferent to personal growth. For example, someone might neglect their health out of laziness or ignore opportunities due to a lack of initiative. To reflect, consider a recent situation where you felt stuck or unmotivated. What thoughts or habits contributed to that state? Identifying these patterns is the first step toward overcoming the binding effects of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘.

š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘‡ š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œœš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œæ š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ ą„¤
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ¤š‘ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘‡ š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œœš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘š‘Œ¤ ą„„ š‘Æ ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - the quality of purity, clarity, harmony
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘‡ - in happiness, pleasure
š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - binds, attaches, leads to
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ - the quality of passion, activity
š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œæ - to action, activity
š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ - O descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ - knowledge, awareness
š‘Œ†š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ - covering, veiling
š‘Œ¤š‘ - but, however
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ - the quality of darkness, inertia
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘‡ - in negligence, heedlessness
š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - binds, attaches, leads to
š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¤ - also, indeed

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
O Arjuna, the quality of clarity (sattva) binds one to happiness, the quality of passion (rajas) binds one to action, while the quality of inertia (tamas), by covering knowledge, binds one to carelessness and neglect.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights how each of the three qualities-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ-influences human behavior and experience. The term š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ is associated with clarity and harmony, leading individuals toward happiness (š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘‡). š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ, representing passion and restlessness, propels people into constant activity (š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œæ). In contrast, š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ is the force of ignorance and inertia, which, by veiling knowledge (š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ†š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ), causes a person to fall into heedlessness or negligence (š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘‡). The verse thus explains that our moods, motivations, and even our lapses are shaped by the predominance of these qualities within us. Each š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ binds the soul in its own way, making liberation from their influence a central concern of spiritual practice.

The interpretations of š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ and š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ deepen our understanding of how the gunas bind the soul. š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ binds through attachment to happiness, which, while seemingly pure, still entangles the mind in subtle bondage. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ highlights the dynamic role of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ as the force driving continuous action, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ as the veil that obscures true knowledge, leading to negligence and wrong conduct. This aligns with the Upanishadic invocation š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which beseeches the divine to lead one from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge). Recognizing how these qualities influence our states of mind is crucial, as it prepares us to observe and gradually transcend their sway, a theme that naturally leads into practical self-awareness and transformation discussed next.

In modern life, these patterns are easy to spot. When someone feels calm and joyful while helping others or learning, š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ is at work. The drive to achieve, compete, or multitask reflects š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘. Procrastination, binge-watching shows out of habit, or ignoring responsibilities are signs of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘. To reflect, consider your last week: When did you feel most clear and content? When were you restless or impulsive? When did you avoid tasks or feel dull? By observing which š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ is active, you can make conscious choices to cultivate more clarity and reduce inertia. This self-awareness is a practical step toward greater freedom and well-being.

š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆ š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ ą„¤
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘ˆš‘Œµ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ ą„„ 10 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ - the quality of passion or activity
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ - the quality of inertia or darkness
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œ…š‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆ - having overpowered, subdued
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - the quality of goodness or clarity
š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - arises, prevails, becomes dominant
š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤ - O descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ - the quality of passion or activity (again, as subject)
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - the quality of goodness or clarity (again, as object)
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ - the quality of inertia or darkness (again, as object)
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œš‘Œµ - indeed, certainly
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ - the quality of inertia or darkness (as subject)
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - the quality of goodness or clarity (as object)
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ - the quality of passion or activity (as object)
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ - likewise, in the same way

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
O Arjuna, sometimes the quality of clarity (sattva) becomes dominant by subduing passion (rajas) and inertia (tamas); at other times, passion prevails by overpowering clarity and inertia; and likewise, inertia takes over by suppressing clarity and passion.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the dynamic interplay of the three qualities: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ (clarity or goodness), š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ (passion or activity), and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ (inertia or darkness). The key terms š‘Œ…š‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆ (overpowering), š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ (arises), and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ (likewise) point to the cyclical nature in which these qualities dominate one another. The verse does not suggest that all three are equally present at all times; rather, it indicates that one becomes prominent by suppressing the others. This shifting dominance explains why our moods, motivations, and clarity of mind can change, sometimes without obvious external cause. The verse also addresses Arjuna as š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤, reminding him of his lineage and capacity to observe these inner changes with discernment.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that the predominance of each š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ shapes distinct mental states: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ brings forth knowledge and bliss, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ causes restlessness and desire, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ results in ignorance and inertia. This dynamic interplay reflects the verse's teaching that one š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ overpowers the others in turn, producing its characteristic effects. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that this shifting dominance depends on one's past š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ® and the quality of nourishment, making the experience of these changes unique to each individual. This understanding aligns with the Upanishadic invocation š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which prays to be led from darkness (š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘) to light (š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ), symbolizing the spiritual aspiration to transcend inertia and ignorance by cultivating š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ. Recognizing which š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ is currently dominant, as š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ suggests, enables practical self-observation and conscious alignment with higher values. This insight prepares us to notice these qualities in daily life and respond accordingly, as discussed next.

In daily life, you might notice that after a restful night and a healthy breakfast, you feel clear-minded and calm-this is š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ in action. During a busy workday filled with deadlines and ambition, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ may dominate, making you restless or driven. If you spend an afternoon in lethargy, procrastinating or feeling dull, š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is likely prevailing. To reflect, try observing your mental state at different times of the day and note which quality is most present. Ask yourself: What activities or environments increase clarity? When do you feel most restless or most sluggish? This awareness can help you make choices that encourage balance and well-being.

š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘Œ·š‘ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘‡š‘Œ½š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶ š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„¤
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œ‚ š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘š‘Œ¤ ą„„ 11 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘Œ¶š‘ - through all the doors (sense organs)
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘‡ - in the body
š‘Œ…š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘ŒØš‘ - in this (body)
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶ - illumination, light
š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - arises, appears
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ - knowledge, awareness
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ - when
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ - then
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘ - one should know
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œ®š‘ - increased, become strong
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - the quality of sattva (purity, clarity)
š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - thus
š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¤ - indeed, certainly

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
When the light of understanding shines clearly through all the senses in this body, know for certain that the quality of clarity and harmony, sattva, has become dominant.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the signs of the predominance of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ in a person. The key words here are š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶ (illumination), š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ (knowledge), š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘Œ¶š‘ (through all the doors), and š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘Œ®š‘ (increased). When š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ is strong, the mind and senses become clear and luminous, allowing knowledge and insight to flow effortlessly. The 'doors' refer to the senses-sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell-through which we interact with the world. When these are unobstructed and function harmoniously, a person perceives reality with clarity and discernment. This state is marked by a natural brightness and awareness that pervades one's entire being, making understanding and wisdom easily accessible.

The illumination described here is understood by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ as the radiant clarity of the intellect that pervades all sensory faculties when š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ predominates, enabling unobstructed knowledge to manifest through every sense door. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further explains that this light is not merely intellectual brightness but the revealing of the true essence of reality, allowing one to perceive the world as it truly is, free from distortion. This aligns with the Upanishadic invocation š‘Œ…š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œøš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ-"Lead me from the unreal to the real"-which emphasizes the movement from ignorance to the illuminating truth that š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ fosters. Thus, the increase of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ is marked by a deepening clarity and purity of perception, which prepares the mind for practical application in daily life, as discussed in the following paragraph.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen when someone feels mentally clear, emotionally balanced, and able to perceive situations without bias or agitation-such as a student who studies with full attention and easily grasps new concepts, or a leader who listens deeply and responds wisely to challenges. Another example is when, after a period of rest or meditation, a person feels refreshed and sees solutions to problems that previously seemed confusing. As a reflection exercise, notice a day when your mind feels especially clear and your senses sharp. What habits or environments contributed to this state? How can you foster more of this clarity in your daily routine?

š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ­š‘Œƒ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œƒ š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¶š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒŖš‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¾ ą„¤
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ š‘Œ­š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ·š‘Œ­ ą„„ 12 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ­š‘Œƒ - greed, avarice
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ - activity, outward engagement
š‘Œ†š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œƒ - undertaking, initiation (of actions)
š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘ - of actions, deeds
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¶š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ - restlessness, lack of peace
š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒŖš‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¾ - longing, desire
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œæ - when rajas (the quality of passion) is
š‘Œš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ - these (things)
š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - arise, come into being
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ - when increased, when predominant
š‘Œ­š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ·š‘Œ­ - O best of the Bharatas (Arjuna)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
O Arjuna, when the quality of rajas becomes dominant, greed, constant activity, the urge to begin new undertakings, restlessness, and intense longing all arise.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the psychological and behavioral signs that appear when the quality of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ becomes strong in a person. The key terms here are š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ­š‘Œƒ (greed), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ (activity), š‘Œ†š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘Œƒ (undertaking of actions), š‘Œ…š‘Œ¶š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ (restlessness), and š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒŖš‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¾ (longing). When rajas increases, it fuels a constant desire for more possessions and experiences, leading to greed and an inability to be satisfied. This is accompanied by an urge to always be doing something, starting new projects or tasks, and a restless mind that cannot settle. The longing mentioned here is a deep craving for sensory or material fulfillment, which keeps the mind agitated and outwardly focused.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that the restless activity and greed described here are definitive signs of the predominance of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, which disrupts the mind's natural tranquility and focus. He highlights š‘Œ…š‘Œ¶š‘Œ®š‘Œƒ as the restless agitation preventing inner peace, while š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ reflects the compulsive urge to engage in actions without calm deliberation. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ emphasizes that these qualities not only disturb personal equanimity but also hinder spiritual progress by binding the individual to the cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. This aligns with the Upanishadic injunction from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, š‘Œ…š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œøš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ, meaning 'Lead me from the unreal to the real,' which underscores the need to transcend the restless impulses of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ to attain lasting peace. Recognizing these symptoms of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ is thus essential for moving beyond mere external busyness toward deeper self-awareness and calm, preparing the ground for practical steps to cultivate contentment and focus.

In modern life, these symptoms of rajas can be seen in someone who is always multitasking, never satisfied with what they have, and constantly seeking new experiences or possessions. For example, a person might feel compelled to check their phone every few minutes, start new projects before finishing old ones, or feel anxious when not busy. Another example is someone who shops impulsively or chases after promotions at work without considering whether it brings real fulfillment. To reflect, take a few minutes to observe your own day: do you notice moments of restlessness, greed, or an urge to always be doing something? Consider what triggers these feelings and how you might create more space for calm and contentment.

š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘‹š‘Œ½š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œš š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹ š‘Œš‘Œµ š‘Œš ą„¤
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¦š‘ŒØ ą„„ 13 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘Œƒ - lack of clarity or absence of illumination (mental or physical)
š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ - inactivity, absence of initiative
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘Œƒ - negligence, carelessness, heedlessness
š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘Œƒ - delusion, confusion, mistaken understanding
š‘Œš‘Œµ - indeed, certainly
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ¾ - by š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘, the quality of darkness or inertia
š‘Œš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ - these (things)
š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - arise, come into being
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ - when increased, when predominant
š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¦š‘ŒØ - O joy of the Kurus (Arjuna)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
O Arjuna, when tamas becomes dominant, these arise: lack of clarity, inactivity, negligence, and delusion.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the signs that appear when the quality of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is strong in a person. The key terms here are š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶ (absence of clarity), š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ (inactivity), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦ (negligence), and š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹ (delusion). š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶ refers not only to a lack of physical light but, more importantly, to a lack of mental clarity or understanding. š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ points to a reluctance or inability to act, resulting in stagnation. š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦ is the tendency to be careless or inattentive, leading to mistakes or missed opportunities. Finally, š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹ is the confusion or misperception that clouds judgment and leads one away from truth. When these qualities are present, it is a clear sign that š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is prevailing in the mind and behavior.

The effects of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ described in this verse are further elucidated by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ, who identifies š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶-the absence of illumination or discernment-as the fundamental cause that gives rise to inactivity, negligence, and delusion. This lack of clarity clouds the mind, making one unable to perceive reality correctly. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ complements this view by interpreting š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ as a state of immobility or inertia, while š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦ reflects inattentiveness that leads to improper actions. Together, these qualities trap the individual in a cycle of confusion and spiritual stagnation. This understanding aligns with the Upanishadic invocation š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which is a prayer to be led from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge). Recognizing these symptoms of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is essential, as it prepares one to identify and overcome the mental states that hinder progress, thus setting the stage for practical steps to dispel inertia and cultivate clarity.

In modern life, signs of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ might show up as procrastination at work, ignoring important responsibilities, or feeling mentally foggy and unmotivated. For example, someone might repeatedly put off studying for exams, or neglect their health despite knowing the consequences. Another example is getting lost in escapist entertainment to avoid facing reality, leading to further confusion and lack of direction. To reflect, consider a recent situation where you felt stuck or confused. What thoughts or habits contributed to that state? Identifying these patterns is the first step to reducing the influence of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ and moving toward greater clarity and purposeful action.

š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘‡ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ š‘Œ¤š‘ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œ­š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘ ą„¤
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¦š‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 14 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ - when
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘‡ (š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ) - in the quality of purity (sattva) being predominant
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ (š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§) - having grown, increased
š‘Œ¤š‘ - indeed, but
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ - dissolution, death
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - attains, goes to
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œ­š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘ - the embodied one, soul in a body
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¦ - then
š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘Œ®š‘ - of those who know the highest (truth)
š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - worlds, realms
š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - pure, stainless
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - attains, reaches

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
When a person dies while the quality of purity is dominant, they reach the flawless realms inhabited by those who have realized the highest truth.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the significance of the state of mind and inner qualities at the moment of death. The key terms here are š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘‡ (purity or clarity), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ§š‘‡ (fully developed or predominant), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ (dissolution or death), and š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ (stainless or pure). When š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ is at its peak in a person, meaning their mind is clear, calm, and virtuous, and they pass away in this state, the verse assures that such a soul attains pure worlds. These are not ordinary destinations but are described as the realms of those who have realized the highest knowledge, free from the impurities of passion (š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘) or ignorance (š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘). The verse thus connects the quality of one's consciousness at death with the quality of the afterlife or next experience.

The significance of attaining š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘ŒØš‘ š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ•š‘ŒØš‘, or the spotless worlds, is elaborated by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ, who explains that these realms are the abodes of those who have realized the highest truths, transcending the impurities of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘. This attainment is not accidental but the fruit of a life cultivated with predominance of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that dying in a state of dominant š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ leads the soul to be reborn in auspicious environments-families devoted to spiritual wisdom-thus facilitating continued progress toward liberation. This teaching resonates with the Upanishadic injunction š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which means 'lead me from death to immortality,' emphasizing the transformative power of purity at the moment of death. Together, these insights underscore that the quality of one's consciousness at death, shaped by lifelong cultivation of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, decisively influences the soul's next journey, bridging the verse's profound metaphysical promise with practical spiritual discipline.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in the way our mental state at crucial moments influences our future. For example, someone who consistently practices kindness, mindfulness, and self-control is more likely to face challenges and even death with peace and clarity, leading to positive outcomes. Another example is how people who live with integrity and purpose often leave behind a legacy that inspires others, much like attaining a 'pure world.' A reflection exercise: Consider what qualities dominate your mind at the end of each day. Are you cultivating clarity and virtue, or are you caught in agitation and confusion? Try ending your day with a few minutes of calm reflection or gratitude to nurture š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ in your own life.

š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œæ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„¤
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘€š‘ŒØš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œæ š‘Œ®š‘‚š‘Œ¢š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 15 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œæ - when rajas (passion/activity) predominates
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ - dissolution, death
š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ - having gone, after reaching
š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘ - among those attached to action
š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - is born
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ - likewise, similarly
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ²š‘€š‘ŒØš‘Œ¹š‘ - having dissolved, died
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œæ - when tamas (inertia/ignorance) predominates
š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ§š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘ - in the wombs of the unintelligent, among dull species
š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - is born

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
If someone dies while the quality of rajas is dominant, they are reborn among people who are attached to action and activity. In the same way, if someone dies when tamas is prevailing, they are born into families or species lacking in intelligence or awareness.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the influence of the dominant š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ at the time of death on one's next birth. The key terms here are š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œæ (when rajas is prevalent), š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œæ (when tamas is prevalent), š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘ (among those attached to action), and š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ§š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘ (among the unintelligent). The verse explains that the state of mind and the prevailing quality at the moment of death shape the trajectory of the soul. If rajas, the quality of passion and restlessness, dominates, the soul is drawn to environments where action and desire are central. If tamas, the quality of ignorance and inertia, is dominant, the soul is pulled toward lower births, lacking clarity and awareness. This teaching underscores the importance of cultivating a balanced and clear state of mind, especially as life draws to a close.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that dying with rajas predominant causes rebirth among those deeply attached to worldly actions, reflecting restless desires that bind the soul to cycles of activity. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ adds that such births, characterized by š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘Œæš‘Œ¶š‘, offer opportunities for performing rituals and accruing merit, yet remain entangled in personal gain and desires. Both emphasize that the quality prevailing at death decisively shapes the soul's next state, underscoring the need to transcend rajas and tamas. This is echoed in the Upanishadic prayer š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which beseeches the divine to lead one from death to immortality, symbolizing the aspirant's journey beyond the limitations imposed by the gunas at death. Thus, the verse's teaching on the influence of dominant qualities at the moment of death connects directly to the practical importance of cultivating sattva and awareness, preparing the ground for the reflection on how mental habits shape our future in the next paragraph.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in how our mental habits and attachments shape our future, both in this life and beyond. For example, someone who is constantly restless and driven by ambition may find themselves surrounded by similar people and situations, reinforcing those tendencies. On the other hand, someone who lives in confusion or apathy may end up in environments that limit their growth and awareness. A practical reflection exercise: At the end of each day, pause and observe which quality-clarity, restlessness, or dullness-was most present in your actions and thoughts. Consider how you might consciously cultivate more clarity and awareness, especially during significant transitions or challenges.

š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ•š‘Œ‚ š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ«š‘Œ²š‘Œ®š‘ ą„¤
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘ š‘Œ«š‘Œ²š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ–š‘Œ®š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œƒ š‘Œ«š‘Œ²š‘Œ®š‘ ą„„ 16 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œƒ - of action (genitive singular of š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘ŒØš‘)
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of good (virtuous) action (genitive singular of š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤)
š‘Œ†š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œƒ - they say (third person plural, perfect of š‘Œ…š‘Œ¹š‘)
š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ•š‘Œ‚ - sattvic, arising from š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ (pure quality)
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ‚ - pure, untainted
š‘Œ«š‘Œ²š‘Œ®š‘ - result, fruit (accusative singular of š‘Œ«š‘Œ²)
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œ¹š‘ - of rajas (genitive singular of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, the quality of passion)
š‘Œ¤š‘ - but
š‘Œ«š‘Œ²š‘Œ®š‘ - result, fruit
š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ–š‘Œ®š‘ - sorrow, pain
š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ - ignorance, lack of knowledge
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œƒ - of tamas (genitive singular of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘, the quality of darkness/inertia)
š‘Œ«š‘Œ²š‘Œ®š‘ - result, fruit

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
The wise say that the outcome of good actions is pure and comes from the quality of clarity and harmony. The result of actions driven by passion is suffering, while the result of actions rooted in ignorance is further ignorance.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the distinct results that arise from actions influenced by the three gunas: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘. The word š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ points to virtuous or well-intentioned actions, which, when performed, yield a š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ•š‘Œ‚ and š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘Œ‚ outcome-meaning a result that is pure, uplifting, and free from agitation. In contrast, actions propelled by š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ (restlessness, desire) lead to š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ–š‘Œ®š‘, or suffering, as their fruit. Actions stemming from š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ (inertia, ignorance) result in š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘, deepening the state of confusion and lack of awareness. The verse thus underscores a direct relationship between the nature of our actions and the quality of their consequences, encouraging self-reflection on the motivations behind what we do.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that the results of actions are inherently linked to the prevailing š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ at the time of their performance, with š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ producing purity and clarity, while š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ inevitably leads to suffering due to its restless nature. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that the fruits of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œšš‘ deeds manifest as favorable circumstances for spiritual advancement, whereas š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œæš‘Œšš‘ actions bind the soul to continued cycles of desire and pain. This natural progression is reflected in the Upanishadic injunction š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which means 'lead me from darkness to light,' symbolizing the movement from ignorance and inertia toward knowledge and illumination. This verse thus reinforces the teaching that the quality of our actions shapes our inner state and external conditions, preparing the ground for the practical reflections discussed next.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in how selfless and thoughtful actions often lead to inner peace and clarity, while actions driven by restlessness or selfish ambition tend to bring stress and dissatisfaction. For example, volunteering with genuine care brings a sense of fulfillment, whereas working solely for personal gain can result in burnout. Similarly, procrastinating or acting out of laziness often leads to confusion and missed opportunities. As a reflection exercise, consider a recent action you took: What was your underlying motivation? Did it leave you feeling clear and uplifted, restless and dissatisfied, or more confused? Noticing these patterns can help guide future choices toward greater harmony and awareness.

š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ­ š‘Œš‘Œµ š‘Œš ą„¤
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘Œ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘‡š‘Œµ š‘Œš ą„„ 1š‘­ ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘ - from š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ (purity, clarity)
š‘Œøš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - arises, is born
š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ - knowledge, understanding
š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œ¹š‘ - from š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ (activity, passion)
š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ­ š‘Œš‘Œµ - only greed, avarice
š‘Œš - and
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦ - negligence, heedlessness
š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘Œ - and delusion, confusion
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œƒ - from š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ (inertia, darkness)
š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¹š‘ - arise, are produced
š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ š‘Œš‘Œµ š‘Œš - and indeed ignorance

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
From purity and clarity comes knowledge; from passion and restlessness arises greed. From inertia and darkness emerge negligence, confusion, and also ignorance.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the distinct outcomes produced by the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£-s: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘. The key terms here are š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ‚ (knowledge), š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ­ (greed), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦ (negligence), and š‘Œ…š‘Œœš‘š‘Œžš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ®š‘ (ignorance). When š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ dominates, the mind becomes clear and receptive, allowing true understanding to arise. In contrast, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ fuels desires and ambitions, leading to dissatisfaction and craving for more. š‘ŒŸš‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ clouds perception, resulting in carelessness, confusion, and a lack of discernment. The verse thus maps out a psychological landscape, showing how our inner tendencies shape our thoughts and actions.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that the š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ generates a pure and illuminating knowledge that leads toward liberation, while š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ produces greed that binds one to worldly desires, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ results in negligence and delusion, deepening ignorance. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ highlights that the ignorance born of š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is not mere absence of knowledge but a fundamental misapprehension of reality, which perpetuates spiritual darkness. This understanding aligns with the Upanishadic injunction š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘ŒŠš‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which is a plea to transcend darkness and move toward the light of true knowledge. Thus, the verse's depiction of the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£-s not only clarifies their psychological effects but also points to their decisive role in either advancing or obstructing spiritual progress, setting the stage for practical reflection on how these qualities manifest in our daily lives.

In modern life, we can observe these qualities in everyday situations. For example, when someone studies with a calm and focused mind, understanding comes easily-this is š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ at work. When a person is driven by ambition and competition, always wanting more, it is š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ manifesting as greed. If someone procrastinates, forgets important tasks, or acts without thinking, š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ is dominant. As a reflection exercise, consider a recent decision you made: What was the primary motivation behind it-clarity, desire, or confusion? Noticing which š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ influenced your actions can help you cultivate more awareness and make conscious choices.

š‘ŒŠš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œšš‘š‘Œ›š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‡ š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘Œœš‘Œ˜š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ§š‘‹ š‘Œ—š‘Œšš‘š‘Œ›š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ ą„„ 1š‘® ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘ŒŠš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - upward, higher realms
š‘Œ—š‘Œšš‘š‘Œ›š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - go, move towards
š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘ - those established in sattva (purity, clarity)
š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‡ - in the middle, intermediate state
š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - remain, stay
š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - those dominated by rajas (activity, passion)
š‘Œœš‘Œ˜š‘š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒÆ - lowest, most base
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ - quality, attribute
š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - tendency, function
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - those abiding in
š‘Œ…š‘Œ§š‘Œ¹š‘ - downward, lower realms
š‘Œ—š‘Œšš‘š‘Œ›š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - go, move towards
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - those dominated by tamas (inertia, ignorance)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Those who are established in the quality of sattva rise to higher states, those who are influenced by rajas remain in the middle, and those whose actions are shaped by the lowest quality, tamas, descend to lower states.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the consequences of living according to the three gunas: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘. The words š‘ŒŠš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ (upward), š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‡ (middle), and š‘Œ…š‘Œ§š‘Œ¹š‘ (downward) describe the destinations or states resulting from one's predominant quality. š‘Œ¶š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘ are those who cultivate clarity, virtue, and wisdom, leading to progress and elevation in consciousness. š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ are driven by ambition and desire, keeping them engaged in worldly pursuits and cycles of effort and reward. š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ, absorbed in ignorance and inertia, move towards regression and lower states of existence. The verse uses these directional metaphors to illustrate how our inner tendencies shape our future experiences, both in this life and beyond.

The profound implications of this verse are further illuminated by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ, who explains that the predominance of a š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ not only shapes the soul's post-mortem destination-where š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ leads upward to higher realms, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ causes one to remain in the middle realm of human existence, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ drags one downward into lower life forms-but also reflects the quality of one's present life experience. Complementing this, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ emphasizes that these gunas govern the mental and emotional states that bind the individual in š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°: š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ brings clarity and peace, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ fuels restless activity and attachment, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ fosters ignorance and inertia. This dynamic is captured in the Upanishadic prayer from the š‘Œšš‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ¶š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘-š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ-which beseeches the divine to lead one from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge). Thus, this verse not only maps the soul's journey after death but also urges awareness of how the gunas influence our current state, setting the stage for practical reflection and transformation in daily life.

In modern life, someone who cultivates sattva-through selfless service, learning, and ethical living-may find themselves growing in wisdom and inner peace, often becoming a source of inspiration to others. A person dominated by rajas might be constantly striving for success, recognition, or material gain, experiencing both excitement and frustration as they chase their goals. Someone under the sway of tamas may feel stuck, unmotivated, or prone to escapist habits, leading to stagnation or decline. As a reflection exercise, consider which š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ most often influences your actions and decisions. Notice a recent situation where you acted from sattva, rajas, or tamas, and reflect on the outcome and how it affected your state of mind.

š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘‡š‘Œ­š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ ą„¤
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘‡š‘Œ­š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œš š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ š‘Œµš‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ š‘Œøš‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œ§š‘Œæš‘Œ—š‘Œšš‘š‘Œ›š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ ą„„ 1š‘Æ ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘ŒØ - not
š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ®š‘ - other (anyone else)
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘‡š‘Œ­š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - than the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s (qualities of nature)
š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ - as the doer (agent)
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾ - when
š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œ¾ - the seer (witness)
š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘ŒŖš‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - perceives (sees clearly)
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘‡š‘Œ­š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - than the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s
š‘Œš - and
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ - that which is beyond (higher, transcendent)
š‘Œµš‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - knows (understands)
š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ - My state (divine nature, likeness to Me)
š‘Œøš‘Œƒ - he
š‘Œ…š‘Œ§š‘Œæš‘Œ—š‘Œšš‘š‘Œ›š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - attains (reaches)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
When a person recognizes that the qualities of nature alone are responsible for all actions, and understands what is beyond these qualities, that person attains a state like Mine.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the importance of seeing the true agents behind all actions. The key terms here are š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£ (qualities of nature), š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚ (doer), š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œ¾ (witness), and š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ‚ (My state). The teaching is that when the witness, or conscious self, perceives that it is not the real doer but that all actions are carried out by the interplay of the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘-a profound shift in understanding occurs. The self, as the witness, is distinct from these qualities and their activities. Realizing this distinction enables one to transcend identification with the body and mind, which are shaped by the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s, and to approach the divine state described as š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ‚.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ elucidates that the true š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œ¾ or witness is distinct from the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s and is not the doer of actions; recognizing that all activity arises solely from the interplay of the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s leads to liberation. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ teaches that one must first cultivate purity by increasing š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ through selfless actions and spiritual discipline, enabling the seer to perceive the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s as the agents while the self remains untouched and transcendent. This understanding aligns with the Upanishadic invocation š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ-"Lead me from darkness to light"-which symbolizes the journey from ignorance of the self's true nature to the illumination of its distinction from material qualities. Thus, the verse guides the practitioner to shift identification from the mutable qualities to the immutable witness, preparing the ground for practical application in daily life as described next.

In modern life, this teaching can be applied when we feel overwhelmed by emotions or situations, recognizing that our reactions are shaped by the play of natural qualities, not by our true self. For example, when facing anger or anxiety, we can pause and observe that these are movements of š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ or š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘, not our deepest identity. Similarly, in moments of clarity and calm, we can see the influence of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ. Another example is in teamwork: understanding that people's behaviors are driven by their inherent tendencies can foster empathy and reduce personal conflict. As a reflection exercise, try to notice throughout the day when you identify with being the doer, and gently remind yourself that the qualities of nature are at work, while your true self remains the observer.

š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘€ š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ ą„¤
š‘Œœš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ–š‘ˆš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œ¶š‘š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 20 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - the qualities (sattva, rajas, tamas)
š‘Œš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - these (referring to the three mentioned)
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ - having transcended, gone beyond
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘ŒØš‘ - three (referring to the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s)
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘€ - the embodied self, the soul within the body
š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹-š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - arising from the body, originating in the body
š‘Œœš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ® - birth
š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘ - death
š‘Œœš‘Œ°š‘Œ¾ - old age
š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ–š‘ˆš‘Œƒ - by the sorrows, sufferings
š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œƒ - freed, liberated
š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘ - immortality, the deathless state
š‘Œ…š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - attains, experiences

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
When the embodied soul rises above these three qualities that originate in the body, it becomes free from birth, death, aging, and suffering, and attains a state of immortality.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the transformative power of transcending the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘-which are described here as š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹-š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘, meaning they arise from or are associated with the body. The term š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ emphasizes the act of going beyond, not merely suppressing or balancing these qualities, but truly surpassing their influence. The soul, referred to as š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘€, is said to become š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œƒ, liberated from the cycle of š‘Œœš‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ® (birth), š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘ (death), š‘Œœš‘Œ°š‘Œ¾ (old age), and š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ– (suffering). The result is the attainment of š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘, or immortality, which in this context means a state of existence untouched by the limitations and pains of material life. This verse thus encapsulates the ultimate goal of spiritual practice in the Gita: liberation from the binding effects of material nature.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that transcending the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s means rising above their binding influence, which are the root causes of bodily existence and suffering. This transcendence is not mere suppression but a complete liberation that allows the š‘Œ¦š‘‡š‘Œ¹š‘€ to experience the immortal nature of the self even while embodied. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further clarifies that the soul's true essence is pure knowledge and bliss, distinct from the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s and the body, and realizing this leads to freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Supporting this, the š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18) states, š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘, meaning the wise one neither takes birth nor dies, emphasizing the eternal nature of the self beyond physical existence. This understanding bridges the verse's teaching of liberation and sets the stage for practical application in daily life, as discussed in the following paragraph.

In modern life, transcending the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s can be compared to rising above the constant push and pull of moods, habits, and social conditioning. For example, someone who is no longer controlled by anger or restlessness (rajas), or by laziness and confusion (tamas), or even by attachment to goodness and success (sattva), finds a deeper peace and clarity. A person who remains calm and centered during both praise and criticism, or who is not shaken by life's ups and downs, is moving toward this state. As a reflection exercise, consider a recent situation where you felt strongly influenced by emotion or circumstance. Ask yourself: was it a reaction from habit, or did you respond from a deeper awareness? What would it look like to act from that deeper awareness more often?

š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØ š‘Œ‰š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œš
š‘Œ•š‘ˆš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ²š‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘ˆš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ­š‘‹ ą„¤
š‘Œ•š‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œƒ š‘Œ•š‘Œ„š‘Œ‚ š‘Œšš‘ˆš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œµš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 21 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØš‘Œƒ - Arjuna (the questioner)
š‘Œ‰š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œš - said
š‘Œ•š‘ˆš‘Œƒ - by what (means, signs)
š‘Œ²š‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘ˆš‘Œƒ - characteristics, distinguishing marks
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘ŒØš‘ - three (accusative plural of 'three')
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - qualities (referring to sattva, rajas, tamas)
š‘Œš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - these (accusative plural)
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘Œƒ - one who has gone beyond, transcended
š‘Œ­š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - becomes, is
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ­š‘‹ - O Lord (vocative, addressing Krishna)
š‘Œ•š‘Œæš‘Œ®š‘ - what
š‘Œ†š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘ - conduct, behavior
š‘Œ•š‘Œ„š‘Œ‚ - how, in what way
š‘Œšš‘ - and
š‘Œš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - these
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘ŒØš‘ - three
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - qualities
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œµš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - crosses over, transcends

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Arjuna said: O Lord, by what signs can someone who has gone beyond these three qualities be recognized? What is their way of living, and how do they actually rise above these three qualities?

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
In this verse, Arjuna seeks clarity about the nature of a person who has transcended the three fundamental qualities or š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘-namely, š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘. He uses the word š‘Œ²š‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘ˆš‘Œƒ to ask about the distinguishing marks or signs that reveal such transcendence. The term š‘Œ†š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘ points to the actual conduct or behavior of such a person, while š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œµš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘‡ raises the question of the process or means by which one goes beyond these qualities. Arjuna's inquiry is both practical and philosophical: he wants to know not just how to identify such a person, but also how one can achieve this state themselves. This sets the stage for Krishna to explain the characteristics and practices of those who are no longer bound by the fluctuations of nature's qualities.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that Arjuna's question seeks to identify the external š‘Œ²š‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ— or signs that reveal one who has transcended the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘, emphasizing the visible conduct (š‘Œ†š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘) that distinguishes such a person from those still bound by nature. Meanwhile, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ focuses on the practical means (š‘Œ•š‘Œ„š‘Œ‚) by which one transcends these qualities, highlighting disciplined action and knowledge as essential to crossing beyond the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘. This dual focus on both the signs and the method aligns with the Upanishadic injunction š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘ from the š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18), which teaches that the true Self is unborn, eternal, and beyond decay-pointing to the inner reality that the transcendent person embodies. Thus, the verse not only inquires about the external markers of transcendence but also about the inner transformation and practice required, preparing us to consider how such qualities manifest in everyday life.

In modern life, this question is highly relevant. For example, when someone remains calm and balanced in both success and failure, others may wonder what sets them apart-what are the 'signs' of their inner stability? Or, when a person consistently acts with compassion and integrity regardless of external circumstances, we might ask what practices or mindset allow them to rise above common reactions. Another example is in the workplace: a leader who is unaffected by praise or criticism and treats everyone equally often stands out, prompting curiosity about their inner discipline. As a reflection exercise, consider someone you admire for their equanimity or resilience. What behaviors do they show that suggest they are not easily swayed by changing situations? What habits or attitudes might help you cultivate similar qualities in your own life?

š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ­š‘Œ—š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œš
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚ š‘Œš š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ‚ š‘Œš š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘‡š‘Œµ š‘Œš š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ”š‘Œµ ą„¤
š‘Œ¤ š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘‡š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œæ š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ š‘ŒØ š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ ą„„ 22 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾zš‘Œ…š‘Œ‚ - illumination, clarity, knowledge (sattva effect)
š‘Œš - and
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ‚ - activity, engagement, restlessness (rajas effect)
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ - delusion, confusion, ignorance (tamas effect)
š‘Œš‘Œµ - even, indeed
š‘Œš - and
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ”š‘Œµ - O son of Pandu (Arjuna)
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘ - those (qualities)
š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘‡š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œæ - dislikes, hates
š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ - when arisen, when manifest
š‘ŒØ - not
š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œæ - when ceased, when withdrawn
š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - desires, longs for

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
The Blessed Lord said: O Arjuna, when illumination, activity, or delusion arise, the one who has transcended the modes does not dislike them; nor does he crave for them when they fade away.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the attitude of a person who has gone beyond the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£-s, using the key words š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾zš‘Œ…š‘Œ‚ (illumination), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œµš‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ‚ (activity), and š‘Œ®š‘‹š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ (delusion). These represent the effects of š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ, š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘, and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ respectively. The verse states that such a person neither 'dislikes' (š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œµš‘‡š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œæ) these qualities when they are present, nor 'longs for' (š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ) them when they are absent. This means that the realized individual maintains equanimity, not reacting with aversion or attachment as these mental states come and go. The focus is on inner neutrality, observing the play of these qualities without identifying with them or being disturbed by their presence or absence.

The verse's depiction of one who neither dislikes nor longs for the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£-s is explained by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ as illustrating the inner detachment of a realized soul, who remains unaffected by the arising and subsiding of illumination, activity, and delusion. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ further emphasizes that this equanimity reflects the self's steadfastness, which is not disturbed by the fluctuations of the qualities of nature. This state of impartial witnessing aligns with the Upanishadic injunction š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘ from the š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18), meaning the true self is unborn, eternal, and beyond decay or death. Thus, the person established in this truth neither clings to nor rejects the transient modes of the mind, embodying a spiritual maturity that transcends attachment and aversion. This understanding naturally leads to practical application, as described in the next paragraph, where such equanimity manifests in daily life.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in someone who remains calm whether they are praised for their knowledge, caught up in busy work, or facing confusion and setbacks. For example, a manager who does not become arrogant when successful, nor anxious when overwhelmed, nor depressed when things are unclear, embodies this attitude. Another example is a student who does not get attached to moments of clarity or discouraged by periods of doubt. As a reflection exercise, consider a recent situation where you felt either elated or frustrated by your mental state. Ask yourself: could you have simply observed that state without clinging to or resisting it? Try to notice the next time such a state arises and practice this inner neutrality.

š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘€š‘ŒØš‘Œµš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘€š‘ŒØš‘‹ š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘ˆš‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹ š‘ŒØ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„¤
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤ š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‡š‘Œµ š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘ŒØš‘‡š‘Œ‚š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 23 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘€š‘ŒØ-š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘ - like one indifferent or neutral
š‘Œ†š‘Œøš‘€š‘ŒØš‘Œƒ - sitting, remaining
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘ˆš‘Œƒ - by the gunas (qualities of nature)
š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - who
š‘ŒØ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - is not disturbed, does not waver
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œƒ - the gunas (qualities)
š‘Œµš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - act, function, operate
š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œš‘Œµ - thus only, merely so
š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - who
š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - remains established, stands firm
š‘ŒØ š‘Œ‡š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ¤š‘‡ - does not move, is not shaken

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
One who sits as if detached, unaffected by the movements of the qualities of nature, and who understands that these qualities alone are active, remains steady and does not get swept away by them.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the attitude of a person who has attained deep inner steadiness. The key words here are š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘€š‘ŒØ-š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘ (like one indifferent), š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘ˆš‘Œƒ (by the gunas), š‘ŒØ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ (is not disturbed), and š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ (remains established). Such a person observes the play of the gunas-sattva, rajas, and tamas-without identifying with their fluctuations. The phrase 'like one indifferent' does not mean apathy or lack of care, but rather a mature neutrality, where one is not emotionally entangled with the ups and downs caused by the gunas. The verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing that the gunas, which make up all experiences and actions, are simply functioning according to their nature. The realized person remains a witness, not getting pulled into the drama of likes, dislikes, or agitation.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ elucidates that the state of sitting š‘Œ‰š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘€š‘ŒØ-š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘-like one indifferent-signifies a profound detachment where the Self-knower perceives the gunas as separate from the true Self and thus remains undisturbed by their activity. This detachment is not a neglect of duty but a steadfastness in knowledge, where the mind is not agitated by the gunas' fluctuations. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that this equanimity arises from the realization that the Self is distinct from the gunas, resulting in a serene satisfaction that is unshaken by their influence. This aligns with the Upanishadic injunction š‘ŒØ š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œ®š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ š‘Œµš‘Œ¾ š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œšš‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘ from the š‘Œ•š‘Œ š‘‹š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘ (1.2.18), meaning 'the wise one is not born, nor does he die,' highlighting the immutable nature of the Self beyond the gunas. Together, these teachings emphasize that one acts in the world without being inwardly moved by the qualities or their results, thus bridging the understanding of inner steadiness with practical engagement in life.

In modern life, this teaching is especially relevant when facing stressful situations at work or in relationships. For example, if you receive criticism at your job, instead of reacting with anger or defensiveness (rajas) or withdrawing in sadness (tamas), you can observe your emotions, recognize them as natural responses, and choose to remain steady, responding thoughtfully. Similarly, when experiencing moments of excitement or success, you can remember that these too are movements of the gunas and not get carried away by pride or restlessness. As a reflection exercise, next time you notice a strong emotion, pause and ask yourself: 'Is this the gunas at play? Can I observe without getting swept up?' This practice helps cultivate the inner neutrality described in the verse, leading to greater peace and clarity.

š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ–š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘š‘Œµš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œƒ š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œšš‘ŒØš‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘‹ š‘Œ§š‘€š‘Œ°š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ ą„„ 24 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œøš‘Œ®-š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ–-š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œƒ - one who is equal in sorrow and happiness
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œƒ - one who is established in the Self
š‘Œøš‘Œ®-š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸ-š‘Œ…š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ®-š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œšš‘ŒØš‘Œƒ - one who regards a lump of earth, stone, and gold as equal
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆ-š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆ-š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - one who is the same toward what is liked and disliked
š‘Œ§š‘€š‘Œ°š‘Œƒ - one who is steady or wise
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆ-š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾-š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®-š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ - one who is equal in blame and self-praise

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
One who remains balanced in both pain and pleasure, who is anchored in their own true self, who sees no difference between a clod of earth, a stone, or gold, who is impartial toward what is pleasant or unpleasant, who is steady in wisdom, and who treats criticism and praise of themselves with equal regard.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the qualities of someone who has transcended the influence of the three gunas. The terms š‘Œøš‘Œ®-š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œƒš‘Œ–-š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œƒ and š‘Œøš‘š‘Œµ-š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ„š‘Œƒ point to emotional balance and inner stability, where external circumstances do not disturb one's peace. š‘Œøš‘Œ®-š‘Œ²š‘‹š‘Œ·š‘š‘ŒŸ-š‘Œ…š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ®-š‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œšš‘ŒØš‘Œƒ emphasizes a vision of equality, where material distinctions lose their grip on the mind. š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆ-š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆ-š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ and š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆ-š‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ‚š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾-š‘Œ…š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ®-š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œƒ further describe a person who is not swayed by praise or blame, or by what is pleasing or unpleasant. Such a person is called š‘Œ§š‘€š‘Œ°š‘Œƒ, steady and wise, because their sense of self is rooted in something deeper than passing experiences.

The profound equanimity described in this verse is elucidated by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ as arising from the realization that all dualities-pleasure and pain, gold and earth-are ultimately illusory when seen through the lens of the immutable Self. He emphasizes non-attachment as the key to this steady state. Meanwhile, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ interprets this steadiness as the fruit of discriminative knowledge that distinguishes the transient body from the eternal Self, enabling one to remain unaffected by external fluctuations. This aligns with the Upanishadic injunction from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘: š‘Œ…š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œøš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ, meaning 'lead me from the unreal to the real,' which underscores the movement from identification with changing phenomena to abiding in the unchanging reality. Such insight naturally dissolves the ego's craving for praise or aversion to blame, preparing the aspirant to embody the balanced perspective described here and to apply it practically in daily life.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in someone who remains calm whether they receive a promotion or face criticism at work, treating both success and setbacks with the same composure. Another example is a person who does not let material possessions define their happiness, valuing relationships and inner contentment over wealth or status. A third situation might be handling both praise and negative feedback on social media with equal detachment, not letting either affect self-worth. As a reflection exercise, consider a recent situation where you felt either elated or upset due to external events. Ask yourself: what would it feel like to respond with the steadiness described in this verse? Try to notice, in the coming week, moments when you can practice this balanced perspective.

š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘ŒŖš‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘ŒŖš‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ·š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œƒ ą„¤
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚š‘Œ­š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘€ š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘Œƒ š‘Œø š‘Œ‰š‘Œšš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 25 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ - honor, respect
š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ - dishonor, disrespect
š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - equal, impartial
š‘Œ®š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ° - friend
š‘Œ…š‘Œ°š‘Œæ - enemy
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ· - side, party
š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ - all
š‘Œ†š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚š‘Œ­ - undertakings, initiatives
š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘€ - one who has renounced, abandoned
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘Œƒ - one who has gone beyond the gunas (qualities)
š‘Œøš‘Œƒ - he
š‘Œ‰š‘Œšš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - is said, is called

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
One who remains steady in both honor and dishonor, who treats friend and enemy alike, and who has given up all personal initiatives or undertakings, is recognized as someone who has transcended the influence of the material qualities.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the qualities of a person who has risen above the three gunas, focusing on the terms š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ (honor), š‘Œ…š‘ŒŖš‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ (dishonor), š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ (equal), and š‘Œøš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œµ- š‘Œ†š‘Œ°š‘Œ‚š‘Œ­-š‘ŒŖš‘Œ°š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘€ (one who has renounced all undertakings). Such a person does not let praise or criticism disturb their inner balance. Whether others treat them with respect or contempt, their sense of self remains unaffected. The phrase 'equal to friend and enemy' points to a state of impartiality, where personal likes and dislikes no longer dictate one's responses. By renouncing all personal undertakings, the individual acts only out of necessity or duty, not from personal ambition or desire for outcomes. This detachment is not indifference but a deep inner freedom from the push and pull of external circumstances.

The qualities described in this verse are understood by š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ as the external manifestations of one who has truly transcended the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œøš‘. He emphasizes the steadfastness of such a person who remains unaffected by social honor or dishonor and who renounces all actions driven by personal motives. š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that this equanimity arises from deep š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œµš‘‡š‘Œ•-discrimination between the eternal self and the transient body-leading to impartiality toward friend and foe alike. This state is supported by the Upanishadic injunction š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, which means "lead me from darkness to light," symbolizing the movement from ignorance and duality to spiritual illumination and balance. Together, these teachings show that transcending the š‘Œ—š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œøš‘ involves cultivating inner freedom from external validation and personal ambition, preparing the seeker for the practical application of this equanimity in daily life.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in someone who does not let workplace recognition or criticism affect their self-worth, or in a person who treats both supporters and detractors with the same courtesy and calm. Another example is choosing not to pursue projects purely for personal advancement, but instead acting from a sense of responsibility or service. For reflection: Recall a recent situation where you felt slighted or praised. How did your mood and actions change? Consider how you might maintain inner steadiness regardless of others' opinions or your own ambitions.

š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘Œš š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘Œ£ š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ š‘Œøš‘‡š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„¤
š‘Œø š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘Œ¤š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘ˆš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ•š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¤š‘‡ ą„„ 26 ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ - Me (the Supreme Being, Krishna)
š‘Œš - and
š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¹š‘ - who
š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘ŒØ - with unwavering (without deviation)
š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘‡š‘ŒØ - by the discipline of devotion (š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— of devotion)
š‘Œøš‘‡š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - serves (worships, attends to)
š‘Œø - he
š‘Œ—š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - the qualities (the three gunas: sattva, rajas, tamas)
š‘Œøš‘Œ®š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆ - having completely crossed over (transcended)
š‘Œš‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘ - these
š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆ - for becoming Brahman (for the state of Brahman)
š‘Œ•š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¤š‘‡ - becomes qualified (is fit, is eligible)

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Whoever serves Me with unwavering devotion, practicing the yoga of single-minded love, transcends these qualities of nature and becomes eligible for the state of Brahman.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse highlights the power of š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— (the path of devotion) when practiced with š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘ŒØ (steadfastness, without deviation). The word š‘Œøš‘‡š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘‡ (serves) emphasizes active engagement in loving service to the Divine, not just passive belief. By doing so, the devotee crosses beyond the influence of the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s-š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œµ (goodness), š‘Œ°š‘Œœš‘Œøš‘ (passion), and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘ (inertia)-which normally bind all beings to worldly experience. The phrase š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ­š‘‚š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆ š‘Œ•š‘Œ²š‘š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¤š‘‡ means becoming fit for the state of Brahman, indicating a transformation where the devotee is no longer limited by material nature but is ready to realize their true spiritual identity.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ explains that unwavering š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ is itself the supreme means to transcend the three š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s, equating such devotion with the highest knowledge that leads to liberation. Similarly, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ stresses that it is through single-pointed, loving service to the Supreme Lord-beyond mere intellectual discrimination-that one truly overcomes the subtle influences of the š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£s and attains the immortal self. This aligns with the Upanishadic prayer from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ, which means 'lead me from death to immortality,' highlighting the transformative power of steadfast devotion to elevate the soul beyond material bondage. These teachings emphasize that š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ­š‘Œæš‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘‡š‘ŒØ š‘Œ­š‘Œ•š‘š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— is not just a practice but a direct path to becoming fit for the state of Brahman, preparing the devotee to embody divine qualities in daily life.

In modern life, this teaching can be seen in someone who, despite daily challenges and distractions, maintains a consistent practice of prayer, meditation, or selfless service, keeping their focus on a higher purpose. For example, a person volunteering at a shelter out of genuine compassion, or someone who remains calm and loving even in stressful situations, is demonstrating unwavering devotion. Another example is choosing to act with integrity and kindness, even when it is difficult, because of a deep inner commitment to spiritual values. As a reflection exercise, consider what activities or attitudes in your own life could become a form of steady, loving service, and how you might maintain that focus even when circumstances are not favorable.

š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘‹ š‘Œ¹š‘Œæ š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œš ą„¤
š‘Œ¶š‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œš š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ˆš‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ•š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œš ą„„ 2š‘­ ą„„

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œ¹š‘ - of š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘ŒØš‘ (the Supreme Reality)
š‘Œ¹š‘Œæ - for (indeed, because)
š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ  - foundation, abode, support
š‘Œ…š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ - I (am)
š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of the immortal (of immortality)
š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of the imperishable, unchanging
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of the eternal, everlasting
š‘Œš - and
š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ® (righteousness, ultimate law)
š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of happiness, bliss
š‘Œš‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ•š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ - of the absolute, exclusive (unmixed, supreme)
š‘Œš - and

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
For I am the very foundation of Brahman, the immortal, the unchanging, the eternal law, and the supreme, undivided bliss.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This verse brings together several profound concepts, each highlighted by key Sanskrit words: š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ£š‘Œ¹š‘ (of Brahman), š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ  (foundation or abode), š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ (of immortality), š‘Œ…š‘Œµš‘š‘ŒÆš‘ŒÆš‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ (of the imperishable), š‘Œøš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¤š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ (of the eternal), š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ (of š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®), and š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ–š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ š‘Œš‘Œ•š‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ•š‘Œøš‘š‘ŒÆ (of absolute bliss). Krishna declares that he is not just a participant in these realities but their very ground and support. The verse emphasizes that the ultimate basis for immortality, unchanging reality, eternal righteousness, and perfect happiness is the Divine itself. This assertion goes beyond describing qualities; it identifies the Divine as the essential source from which these transcendental attributes arise and in which they are fully realized. The use of the word š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ  signals that all these qualities rest upon, and are inseparable from, the Divine presence.

The profound declaration that Krishna is the very š‘ŒŖš‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¤š‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ -the foundation-of Brahman, immortality, and eternal bliss has been elucidated by revered Acharyas with complementary insights. š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ emphasizes that the š‘Œ…š‘Œ¹š‘Œ®š‘ here signifies the innermost Self, which is the unchanging support of the supreme Brahman, inherently immortal and blissful. He teaches that through the illumination of knowledge, one realizes the essential non-difference between the individual self and this ultimate reality. In contrast, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œœš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ highlights the personal aspect of Krishna as the indestructible ground of both the individual soul and the eternal š‘Œ§š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ® and bliss that constitute the supreme goal. He stresses that unwavering devotion and surrender to Krishna enable the soul to transcend the binding š‘Œ—š‘š‘ŒØš‘Œøš‘ and attain this highest state. This dual perspective is beautifully complemented by the Upanishadic prayer from the š‘Œ¬š‘ƒš‘Œ¹š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘Œ£š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ• š‘Œ‰š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¦š‘, š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œ…š‘Œ®š‘ƒš‘Œ¤š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ, which means 'Lead me from death to immortality.' This invocation encapsulates the essence of the verse, affirming the Divine as the ultimate refuge and source of eternal life and bliss. Together, these teachings bridge the metaphysical truth of the Divine as the foundation with the practical path of devotion and knowledge, preparing us to reflect on how this realization can transform our approach to life and happiness.

In practical life, this teaching invites us to reflect on what we consider as the foundation of our happiness and sense of purpose. For example, someone might seek lasting fulfillment in achievements, relationships, or possessions, but these are all subject to change and loss. Recognizing that true, unshakable happiness and meaning come from connecting with the Divine can transform our priorities and resilience. Another example is facing uncertainty or loss; remembering that the ultimate support is something eternal and unchanging can provide deep comfort and strength. As a reflection exercise, consider what you currently rely on for stability and happiness. Ask yourself: are these things permanent, or do they change with circumstances? How might your perspective shift if you anchored your sense of self and fulfillment in something truly eternal and unchanging?

š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘Œ¦š‘Œæš‘Œ¤š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ—š‘Œµš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘‚š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘ š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œ¶š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘‡
š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØš‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘‡ š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆš‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘‹ š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ® š‘Œšš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¶š‘‹š‘Œ½š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ ą„„14 ą„¤

Meaning (š‘ŒŖš‘Œ¦š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ - sacred syllable; invocation
š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘ - 'That is Truth'; a phrase denoting the ultimate reality
š‘Œ‡š‘Œ¤š‘Œæ - thus; so
š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ®š‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ­š‘Œ—š‘Œµš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘€š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘‚š‘ŒŖš‘ŒØš‘Œæš‘Œ·š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘ - in the auspicious Bhagavad Gita, which is like an Upanishad
š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ - in the knowledge of Brahman; spiritual wisdom
š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œ¶š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘‡ - in the scripture of š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—; treatise on spiritual discipline
š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€š‘Œ•š‘ƒš‘Œ·š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œœš‘š‘ŒØ š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ¦š‘‡ - in the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna
š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆ-š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ - the š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ— of division of the three qualities (chapter name)
š‘ŒØš‘Œ¾š‘Œ® - named; called
š‘Œšš‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ¦š‘Œ¶š‘Œƒ - fourteenth
š‘Œ…š‘Œ§š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œƒ - chapter

Translation (š‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘Œ„):
Thus ends the fourteenth chapter, titled 'The Yoga of the Division of the Three Qualities', from the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, found within the Upanishad-like scripture of the Bhagavad Gita, which teaches the knowledge of Brahman and the science of yoga.

Commentary (š‘Œ…š‘ŒØš‘š‘Œøš‘Œ‚š‘Œ§š‘Œ¾š‘ŒØ):
This concluding colophon uses several significant Sanskrit terms: š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚, š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘, š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚, and š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆ-š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ. The invocation š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ sets a sacred tone, marking the end of the chapter and connecting it to the broader spiritual tradition. š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘ is a phrase that points to the highest reality, often used to sanctify and dedicate spiritual teachings. š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ refers to the knowledge of the ultimate, while š‘Œ—š‘š‘Œ£š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘ŒÆ-š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ­š‘Œ¾š‘Œ—-š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œƒ names the chapter as the teaching on the division of the three qualities or gunas. Together, these words frame the chapter as both a scriptural and practical guide to understanding the interplay of fundamental qualities in nature and consciousness.

š‘Œ†š‘Œ¦š‘Œæ š‘Œ¶š‘Œ‚š‘Œ•š‘Œ°š‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ interprets the term š‘Œ¬š‘š‘Œ°š‘Œ¹š‘š‘Œ®š‘Œµš‘Œæš‘Œ¦š‘š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘ŒÆš‘Œ¾š‘Œ‚ as indicating that the Bhagavad Gita imparts direct knowledge of the supreme reality, guiding the seeker toward liberation by transcending the three gunas. He emphasizes that this knowledge is not merely theoretical but transformative, aligning with the Upanishadic prayer š‘Œ…š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘‹ š‘Œ®š‘Œ¾ š‘Œøš‘Œ¦š‘š‘Œ—š‘Œ®š‘ŒÆ which means 'Lead me from the unreal to the real,' highlighting the Gita's role in moving the aspirant from ignorance to truth. Meanwhile, š‘Œ¶š‘š‘Œ°š‘€ š‘Œ®š‘Œ§š‘š‘Œµš‘Œ¾š‘Œšš‘Œ¾š‘Œ°š‘š‘ŒÆ focuses on the phrase š‘ŒÆš‘‹š‘Œ—š‘Œ¶š‘Œ¾š‘Œøš‘š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œ°š‘‡, viewing the Gita as a practical manual for disciplined spiritual practice that harmonizes the qualities of nature within the practitioner. Together, these Acharyas affirm that the colophon encapsulates the Gita's dual nature as both profound philosophy and actionable guidance, preparing the reader to apply this wisdom in daily life, as will be discussed in the following paragraph.

In modern life, this colophon can remind us to approach every learning or project with a sense of sacredness and higher purpose, just as š‘Œ“š‘Œ‚ and š‘Œ¤š‘Œ¤š‘š‘Œøš‘Œ¤š‘ sanctify the text. For example, someone finishing a major work or study can pause to dedicate their efforts to a greater good, echoing the spirit of this verse. In another context, a team concluding a project might reflect on the qualities (gunas) that influenced their process-such as clarity, inertia, or restlessness-and consider how to cultivate more balance in the future. As a reflection exercise, after completing any significant task, take a moment to silently acknowledge the effort, dedicate it to a higher ideal, and observe which qualities were most present in your mind and actions.




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